:D

Wow! I just told my mom about what I want to do with my future. I decided that instead of college I'd rather go to Elevate and make my passion into my career. Makes since, right? Well, I really want to serve in womens ministry, youth ministry, and missions-especially in Europe. Probably needless to say, but mom didn't take it well at all. She doesn't want me to leave for long periods of time, and she really doesn't want me to make ministry my career. She didn't directly say it, but the look on her face was so obvious. I've always talked about going in to psychiatry, just because I wanted to help people. Now, since I've started going to Healing Place, I've finally realized that there are so many other ways to help people. I can serve food to the poor or homeless, witness to everyone, change lives...just crazy stuff I never thought I would have an opportunity to do. It's amazing to me! The parents still don't get it. They probably never will. It's really going to tear me up to do it without them behind me, but I know that I have another family that God has wonderfully blessed me with. **AkA: Closer and Refuge** I know that it will never be the same to me as my real family's blessing, but if it's all I can get I am thankful for it. Mom even tried to pull the "how much does this place cost" thing. I just laughed and told her that it would probably be less than a normal college tuition. My family's always had big dreams for me, but I've always marched to the beat of a different drum from my family. I'm not scared to face the world, and my dad doesn't understand how I can talk to people that I don't know. It's so hard to explain, but it's just awesome to me. I've always loved to be different, and Elevate can help me to show my family how much HPC has changed my life for the better. I know that probably doesn't make since, but you'd probably have to know my family to understand that. They are all conservative and keep to themselves. I herd Chris Cain give this big explanation once about the type of Christian that goes out into the world from behind this big brick wall they call church, talk to one person**in the demonstration she is "witnessing" so fast you can barely understand what she is saying**, inviting them to church one Sunday, running back inside, and giving them self a pat on the back for that one person. That is the way my family's church is. The feel almost as if their point in life is to live, work, and die. They have nothing else to live for. I feel like Elevate tears me apart from this pattern in my family. I will be able to make a difference and stand out. That's what I want more than anything! It's going to be so awesome, but I've gotta know that people have my back. I know if my mom gives me a funny look, then my dad's is going to be a loud exhale and a roll of the eyes and a "whatever". I don't even have to ask, I can just feel it. It's the beginning of a long year for me, because at this time next year I'm going to be getting all my money in order for Elevate and summer camp. Life is about to get crazy...and I couldn't be more excited :D